1. Jess Moat, our exchange student from New Zealand, was happy to announce that she had a great time this past weekend at her Graduation Prom and she went camping at the Pinery with other exchange students in the area. She enjoyed both activities.

2. Ed Fowler had a visit from the parents of our Japanese exchange student from awhile back , the Takamuras. He picked them up at Pearson airport to bring them home for a BBQ. It was a whirlwind tour of Niagara Falls and an area wine tour during the next day then ending up at the CN Tower for dinner.

Dave recognized several members from three activities taking place. He recognized the Dom Cardillo crew for the clean-up of the trail last Tuesday. Thanks to Peter Gray for organizing the group of 15 that arrived to make short order of the clean-up. Secondly, Dave recognized those attending the RI Conference in Toronto and thirdly those members willing to volunteer for the 'Cruisin' on King' July 13th.

Today being president Dave's last meeting, we had a draw for 4 bottles of wine and two four packs of Rotary Local lager. Winners were Ray Taylor (2 bottles of wine), Wayne Boehler, Adrian DeCoo, Gary Parker & Barry MacLeod (4 pack of beer).

1. Howard Pell had two announcements regarding a) copies of the 60th anniversary booklets from KidsAbility for members to take B) Car Draw sign up online starting July long weekend at the St. Jacobs Market then every Thursday & Saturday after that.

2. Cheryl Ewing had Julie Marshall from the 'Cruisin' on King' event speak to members about the need for volunteers on Friday, July 13th from 2 to 10 pm. There are two shifts: one at Victoria park helping to get classic cars registered and parked from 2 to 6 pm then the second shift from 6 to 10 pm is to direct cars along the route for the "cruisin" part of the event. Need 24+ members to volunteer. The $10 registration fee will go to our rotary club. They are expecting 300 classic cars. Howard Pell is handling the sign-up.

3. No MEETINGS for June 25th and July 2nd. Next meeting is the 'Changeover" at the Registry Theatre from 6 to 8 pm on July 9th. Bill Proctor has put out the sign up email. You will need to register by July 2nd.

We started a new deck after the quick win by John Webster. The pot for today was $64.00. Mike Pollard, Richard Bruckeder and Barry MacLeod had no luck drawing the jack of hearts.

Bill Proctor introduced our guest speaker for today, Stephen Jackson from Anishnebeg Outreach Employment & Training. Stephen is a graduate from UW with a degree in Science and a Masters in Industrial Psychology. He had worked in Human Resourses for several agencies and companies before coming to Anishnebeg Outreach in 2017. With his Metis heritage and expertise in talent management and strategic organizational HR transformations; he has led the organization in developing new relationships and partnerships with other community organizations to attain his strategic plans. His growth plan for the Outreach tries to connect various groups to work together in helping indigenous and non-indigenous people to build best practices for employment and help the homeless. With two offices in the region in Kitchener and Guelph; he has endeavoured to create automated procedures and processes that enabvle those in need to get past the barriers and challenges of moving from a reservation into an urban area such as Waterloo region. The region has approximately 20 to 30,000 indigenous people seeking support as they transition to urban life. The Outreach programs offer reliable work placements and housing so people can move to self-sustaining situations. His mission is to create these sustainable and comprehensive suite of centralized wrap-around services in the locations as a hub for them to go to. He has created a profit based business that not only employs many indigenous people but raises the funds needed to carry on their programs. The business offers window cleaning, yard clean-up etc. which residents can use on and on-going base. You can find it at http://aohome.ca/  as well, he has created a website for those wanting to connect with the Outreach at  http://aocan.org/. The website has an 'Event calendar' which outlines various activities and programs. Presently, the organization is in the process of acquiring an old church with space to provide for an Early Years Centre for families to use and to be used as a Drop-in Centre for children & youth. Stephen's vision for this organization is all encompassing and multifaceted. If members wish to support this group they can offer a sponsorship to things like the renovation of the church which needs kitchen and washroom improvements or support the drop-in and early years centres. If members want to get to see the Outreach in action then you are welcome to attend any of their events or make a donation.

 

Dave Chatson thanked Stephen for his vision and insights into indigenous life in Waterloo region and applauded him on his successes so far.